Lee County Council On Aging
100 W. 2nd St. Dixon IL 61021 (815) 288-9236
(815) 288-9236
Elder Benefits Specialist
Aging and Disability Resource Center
Recognizing the enormity of the challenges our senior community faces, Lee County Council On Aging is dedicated to making a difference. Through our programs and services, which are designed to assist those going on/already on Medicare or individuals experiencing financial difficulties, we strive to exceed your expectations and drive independence and security in ones self.
Education & Outreach
ITAC Amplified Phones
Making a Difference
Our trained Outreach staff are dedicated to helping you remain independent, maintain a better quality of life, and continue to learn and grow throughout your golden years. We do not charge for our services, though donations are graciously accepted, you will never be turned away for your inability or unwillingness to donate.
Medicare Counseling
Tackling the Issue
Our Elder Benefits Specialists (Outreach Caseworkers) are Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) certified. Trained to help educate you on your Medicare choices, assist in Part D or Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan enrollments, find ways to help save you money and help you fight appeals or obstacles that may arise.
Explaining the various parts of Medicare, assisting in the understanding of your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) and True Out of Pocket expense reports (TrOOP), aiding in Medicare appeals and even sorting out your mail, what's important vs. what's not, when it comes to Medicare.
Respite of GAP (when available) Respite helps provide a break for the caregiver by getting a homemaker into the home when needed or even placing the recipient in a facility for a short term (usually no longer than 5 days) stay.
Plan comparisons for Part D Drug Insurance, are prepared using individual information. Explanation of plan details and ultimately completing the application process for enrollment into chosen plan.
Our Elder Benefit Specialists are a part of the team of SHIP, a program ran through the Illinois Department on Aging (IDOA), which reaches the entire state of Illinois and works with other state SHIP's as well.
Support Services
Through our Support Services, we have the potential to make real and positive changes in your life. Call us at 815-288-9236.
We help connect you with services that can help to save you money, including, but not limited to:
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* Benefit Access Application (license plate discount and Ride Free Transit)
* Tax Assessment Freeze or Homestead Exemption
* DHS applications such as
* Medicaid
* Snap (food stamps/link)
* Medicare Savings Programs
- QMB, SLMB, QI1
* Extra Help (aka: Low Income Subsidy, a Social Security program)
* Farmers' Market Vouchers
* ... and more
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Medicare Counseling services are available, we are Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) certified.
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We provide Caregiver support services for those caring for someone over the age of 60, including respite and gap services when funding is available.
Respit or GAP (when available) Respite helps provide a break for the caregiver by getting a homemaker into the home when needed or even placing the recipient in a facility for a short term (usually no longer than 5 days) stay. Services are limited are are based on a case by case situation. GAP service is available for assisting in a specific need that a caregiver of the recipient cannot afford in partial or full. Services vary and are based on a case by case situation.
We can also link you with other area agencies that may be able to assist you in your needs.
Get in touch with us today and see if you qualify for assistance in one of these programs.
ITAC Amplified Phones
Making a Difference in Communication
As a test center for the Illinois Telecommunications Access Corporation (ITAC) program we have the potential to make real and positive changes in your, or a loved ones, life. These phones and cellular amplified devices are free of charge to eligible individuals.
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Get in touch with us today and see how we can help you!
Call us at 815-288-9236.
Notary Public
Susie E. Welch
Notary Public - State of Illinois
My Commission ExpiresÂ
March 10, 2026
We accept appointments to notarize your documents. You must provide a valid photo ID and signature must be completed in front of our Notary, pre-signed documents will not be notarized. Notary services are provided free of charge, though donations are graciously accepted.
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Notarizing a contract does not make it legal. A notary does not read the contract, provide legal advice, or verify that the terms comply with the law. A notary only verifies the person signing is who they say they are by checking proof of identity.
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SUSIE IS NOT AN ATTORNEY OR LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW IN ILLINOIS AND MAY NOT GIVE LEGAL ADVICE OR ACCEPT FEES FOR LEGAL ADVICE.
Dementia Friends USA
Join the Movement!
Become a Dementia Friend.
A Dementia Friend learns about dementia and then turns that understanding into action. We all have a part to play in creating dementia friendly communities!
Dementia Friends USA is part of a global movement that is changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. Anyone can be a Dementia Friend – we all have a part to play in creating dementia friendly communities!
A Dementia Friend is someone who, through viewing a series of online videos or attending a live interactive session, learns about what it's like to live with dementia and then turns that understanding into action. From telling friends about the Dementia Friends program to visiting someone who is living with dementia, every action counts.
Resources for Seniors:
Federal,
U.S. Gov't Funded
State,
Led by Springfield
Lee County & Local Groups
Gov't Agencies & Non-Profit Groups
Volunteer Opportunity
Become a SHIP certified volunteer and work with your Lee County Council on Aging!
Just call  815-288-9236
Has Medicare ever intrigued you? Do you like to learn, grow, and teach what you've learned to others? Do you enjoy a meaningful volunteer opportunity? If you answered yes to these questions, then you should call us and ask about our Volunteer opportunites.